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Tuesday, June 17th
LoanCenter has funded over $5 million in loans, over more than 20 years in business. You can get both car title and personal loans here, in the event that you want some flexibility over how you borrow the cash you need.
Asks for a little too much info upfront
To get prequalified, you'll fill out the online form and provide the usual details: year/make/model, contact information, mileage, and so on. The next page asks for a lot more than you might be used to, like your car insurance carrier and policy number, employer name, license plate, and SSN. Not a fan. And, at that point, you'll be waiting for a rep to reach out, or you can call the toll-free number and give them the customer code shown to you on the "Thank You” page.
Hard to get more details
We weren't happy that when we tried to click on the "State Disclosures” link, to get more information about where LoanCenter operates, we got a 404 error. In their FAQs, we were able to spot their disclosed interest rate range of 35.50%-199.99% APR, but there was still no list of states there. We reached out on their live chat during regular business hours, but we never got a response.
Perfect score from the BBB
LoanCenter is owned and operated by Wilshire Commercial Capital, who also runs 1 800 Car Title. Under all three names, the company gets an "A+” from the Better Business Bureau, although there were 110+ complaints filed there over the last three years. Most of those were from car title clients whose vehicles had been repossessed and they had problems getting it back, but that's the nature of the industry (and LoanCenter/Wilshire reps responded promptly and appropriately to all complaints, including those).
Not a lot of client reviews
There's not a ton of feedback we could find with respect to LoanCenter's customer experience. Yelp had some reviews for the main location in LA, and most of them were very positive, but it's just not a lot to go on.
Good enough
We feel comfortable giving LoanCenter a good rating: not the best, but certainly not the worst. It would be better for prospective customers if the site gave out more information from the get-go, especially regarding their service area: why fill out an application if you're going to be denied on location alone? But, with a solid track record with the Better Business Bureau and no major red flags present, LoanCenter might be worth a look if you don't find the car title loan you were hoping for with the higher-ranking providers we researched.
If you find yourself facing unexpected financial challenges, you're not alone. Many individuals encounter sudden expenses that demand immediate attention. In times of urgency, when traditional financing options may not be quick enough to get the bills paid, car title loans can be a viable solution.
How exactly does this type of loan work? If you own a vehicle outright, you can use its title as collateral to qualify for a short-term loan. The beauty of this arrangement is that you don't have to park your car during the loan period. In fact, you can continue to use it as usual until the loan is fully repaid, and the title is signed back over to you.
One of the advantages of car title loans is that they often don't heavily weigh your credit history. The focus is on the collateral - your car's value - which makes this type of loan more accessible even if your credit score is less than stellar. However, this also comes with a warning: failing to repay the loan could result in the loss of your car, and the loan amount is capped at your vehicle's appraised value. So, while it's a great option for those with valuable cars, those driving older or less valuable vehicles might not benefit as much.
Another crucial aspect to consider is the high-interest rates associated with car title loans. It's not uncommon for these rates to reach triple digits. Before committing to such a loan, it's in your best interests to exhaust all of the options with lower interest rates first.
Your search for a car title loan provider can begin online. Keep in mind that most sites work as a referral service. They don't usually give you the money themselves, but instead connect you with partners in their network. That's largely because you'll always have to present your title in person somewhere.
All that being said, some websites are much better than others when choosing a car title lender. Here are some factors that can help you sort the good from the bad:
Navigating the landscape of car title loans can be challenging, but TopConsumerReviews.com has done the legwork to evaluate and rank the best options available today. Taking advantage of this information can help you secure the financial help you need right now, and hopefully relieve some of your money worries at the moment!
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